Chicken Burrito Casserole

Packed full of protein, fiber, and veggies, this Chicken Burrito Casserole is a delicious and healthy option for any occasion. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or looking for a simple weeknight dinner, this recipe fits the bill. The combination of tender chicken, flavorful spices, and plenty of fresh ingredients makes it a standout choice that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With a prep time of just 10 minutes, you can have this dish in the oven in no time.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Loaded with protein and fiber, this casserole is not only tasty but also healthy.
• One-Dish Wonder: Easy cleanup is guaranteed since everything cooks in one baking dish.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as a main dish or pair it with your favorite sides for a complete meal.
• Freezer-Friendly: Make extra to freeze for later meals without compromising on flavor or texture.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Chicken Burrito Casserole efficiently, having the right tools on hand will make the process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large baking dish (9 x 13 inch)
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Large baking dish: Perfect size to hold all the ingredients while allowing them to cook evenly.
• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining wet ingredients before adding them to the dry mix.
• Whisk: Helps ensure that all liquids are thoroughly mixed for consistent flavor throughout.

Ingredients

Ingredients:
– 1/2 red onion, diced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 jalapeño, minced
– 1 cup dry long-grain white rice, basmati or jasmine
– 2 tablespoons chili powder
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon oregano
– 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
– 1 cup corn kernels, frozen
– 14oz can black beans, strained and rinsed
– 450g cooked chicken, shredded (6 cups or 3 chicken breasts)
– 3 1/2 cups chicken broth
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 150 grams Monterey Jack or Havarti cheese, grated
– Cilantro, to serve
– Green onion, to serve

How to Make Chicken Burrito Casserole

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F. If you don’t have cooked chicken ready, bake three chicken breasts in the oven for about 25 minutes. Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetable Mixture

In a large baking dish (9 x 13 inch), add:
Diced red onion
Diced bell pepper
Minced jalapeño
Dry rice
Chili powder
Garlic powder
Cumin
Oregano
Sea salt

Stir these ingredients together until well combined.

Step 3: Combine Liquid Ingredients

In a separate mixing bowl or measuring cup, combine:
Chicken broth
Tomato paste
Olive oil

Whisk until well combined.

Step 4: Mix Everything Together

Transfer the broth mixture to the baking dish with the rice and vegetable mixture. Stir until everything is integrated well.

Step 5: Add Chicken and Beans

Add:
Shredded chicken
Rinsed black beans
Frozen corn

Give it one final stir so all ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Transfer it to the preheated oven and bake for 50–60 minutes or until all liquid is absorbed.

Step 7: Add Cheese Topping

Once baking is complete, remove the casserole from the oven and uncover it. Sprinkle grated cheese over the top.

Step 8: Final Bake for Cheese Melt

Return the casserole to the oven for an additional 5–10 minutes until the cheese has melted and turned slightly golden.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!

Remove from oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. Top with fresh cilantro and green onions as desired. Enjoy your delicious Chicken Burrito Casserole!

How to Serve Chicken Burrito Casserole

Chicken burrito casserole is a versatile dish that can be customized based on your preferences. Here are some serving ideas to enhance your meal experience.

With Fresh Toppings

• Sour Cream – A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and balances the spices.
• Guacamole – Spoon on some guacamole for a fresh and creamy addition.
• Salsa – Fresh salsa brings in a zesty flavor that complements the casserole perfectly.

On a Bed of Greens

• Lettuce – Serve over a bed of shredded lettuce for a crunchy texture.
• Spinach – Use fresh spinach for added nutrients and a vibrant color contrast.
• Mixed Greens – A mix of greens can add variety and freshness to each bite.

With Extra Cheese

• Cheddar Cheese – Sprinkle extra cheddar on top before serving for more cheesy goodness.
• Cotija Cheese – Crumbled cotija offers a salty kick that pairs well with the casserole.

As Leftovers

• Reheat in Oven – For best results, reheat leftovers in the oven to maintain texture.
• Serve with Eggs – Transform leftovers into breakfast by pairing them with scrambled eggs.

SAVE THIS!

How to Perfect Chicken Burrito Casserole

To achieve the best chicken burrito casserole, follow these helpful tips.

• Use Cooked Chicken – Shred leftover rotisserie chicken or prepare chicken ahead of time for convenience.
• Adjust Spice Levels – Modify the amount of jalapeño or chili powder to suit your heat preference.
• Layer Ingredients – For even cooking, layer ingredients properly, ensuring rice is submerged in liquid.
• Let It Rest – Allow the casserole to sit for 5-10 minutes post-baking for easier serving and better flavor melding.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken Burrito Casserole

Pairing side dishes with chicken burrito casserole can elevate your meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Mexican Rice – Fluffy Mexican rice adds an authentic touch and absorbs flavors beautifully.
2. Refried Beans – Creamy refried beans provide additional protein and fiber while complementing the dish.
3. Corn Salad – A refreshing corn salad brings sweetness and crunch, balancing out the savory casserole.
4. Chips and Salsa – Crunchy tortilla chips with salsa create a fun appetizer or snack alongside your meal.
5. Grilled Veggies – Charred vegetables add smokiness and color, making your plate visually appealing.
6. Avocado Salad – A light avocado salad offers creaminess without being too heavy, perfect alongside the rich casserole.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Chicken Burrito Casserole, it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

• Skipping the Preheat: Failing to preheat your oven can lead to uneven cooking. Always ensure your oven is at 400°F before baking.
• Overcooking the Rice: Using too much liquid can turn the rice mushy. Stick to the recommended amount of chicken broth for the best texture.
• Not Shredding Chicken Properly: Leaving large pieces of chicken can disrupt even cooking. Make sure to shred the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces.
• Ignoring Layering: Mixing all ingredients without proper layering can affect flavor distribution. Follow the instructions closely for a well-seasoned casserole.
• Forgetting Toppings: Skipping the cheese or fresh herbs can reduce flavor and appeal. Always add these just before finishing in the oven for a delightful melt.

SAVE THIS!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for best freshness.

Freezing Chicken Burrito Casserole

• Freeze in an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
• It can be stored for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Chicken Burrito Casserole

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake covered for about 20 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring between until warm throughout.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chicken Burrito Casserole?

Chicken Burrito Casserole is a hearty dish made with shredded chicken, rice, beans, and spices, topped with cheese and baked until bubbly.

How do I customize my Chicken Burrito Casserole?

You can customize it by adding more veggies like zucchini or spinach, or swapping out cheese types based on your preference.

Can I use leftover chicken for this casserole?

Yes! Leftover rotisserie chicken works perfectly for this Chicken Burrito Casserole recipe.

Is Chicken Burrito Casserole gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe is gluten-free as it uses rice instead of tortillas and does not include any gluten-containing ingredients.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Burrito Casserole is a delicious and versatile meal perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. With its rich flavors and healthy ingredients, you can easily customize it to fit your tastes. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!

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